For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 627
THOMAS FRANCIS BARRY....The manufacturing interests of Muscatine are well represented by Thomas Francis Barry, treasurer of the Barry Manufacturing Company and for fourty-three years past a resident of this city. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois, October 7, 1862, and is a son of Nicholas and Alice ( Potts ) Barry, both of whom were born in County Wexford, Ireland. The father learned the tailor's trade in his native country and came to America in 1847, spending nine years in Cleveland, at the end of which time he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where he engaged in the gas business. He came to Muscatine, Iowa in 1867 and in 1876 entered the plumbing, gas and steam fitting business, associating with three of his sons. In 1889 they began handling plumber's supplies and in the meantime had also become identified with the manufacture of pearl button machinery. The firm employs from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five persons in this line and sells its products in all parts of the United States. The father retired from active business a few years ago and is living with his wife in Muscatine in the enjoyment of the results of many years of well directed labor. Seven children came to bless their home : Patrick ; Mary, the widow of Philip Fahey ; James, a resident of Chicago ; Catherine, the wife of John Hadden, also of Chicago ; Nicholas Jr.; Alice, the wife of Frank Anson, of Muscatine ; and Thomas Francis.The subject of this review was five years old when he came with his parents to Muscatine. He was educated in the parochial schools and after laying his books aside learned the plumber's trade, which he followed for a number of years, associating with his father and two brothers, Patrick and Nicholas, in handling plumber's supplies, in 1867. He has also been closely identified with them for the last twenty-one years in the manufacture of button machinery and has assisted very materially in building up the business to its present handsome proportions.
In 1885 Mr. Barry was united in marriage to Miss Mary Curran Stockdale. a native of Muscatine and a daughter of John and Maria Curran Stockdale. The father was born in England and the mother in County Mayo, Ireland. They were early settlers in Muscatine. Mr. Stockdale departing this life at the age of seventy-one years in 1899. His wife was called away at the age of seventy years, in 1910. There were four children in their family: Mary, now Mrs. Barry ; Hattie, the widow of W. L. Thompson, of Muscatine ; Ann, the wife of Edwin Forrester, of Seattle, Washington ; and James T., of Schenectady, New York. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barry : Albert S., Helen P., Mary Francis and James John.
The members of the family are all identified with the Catholic church and Mr. Barry holds membership in the Knights of Columbus. Politically he is independent, belonging to that class of men who vote for candidates whom they consider best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. Mr. Barry is a man of sterling character, attentive to his duties and always willing to assist in any measure that aims to enhance the attractiveness of the city.
Back to Biographical Index Page